Cairns has numerous great attractions within easy reach of the CBD but there are also loads of things to do in the surrounding area. In this post we'll cover things to do in Cairns first, then add nearby day trips from Cairns. We include reef trips, visiting the town of Kuranda, Northern Beaches, The Tablelands and things to do and see right up to Port Douglas and … [Read more...]
Port Douglas and Cairns, Visiting Far North Queensland
Port Douglas was home to us and is a popular tourist town in Far North Queensland. Visitors head up here for the reef, the rain-forests and beautiful 4 mile beach along with our stunning wildlife, beautiful resorts and good food. Cairns is just up the road and has a whole bunch of unique things to do too. Things to do, places to see and go in the Port Douglas and Cairns region ( including Atherton Tablelands) along with blog post about living in Queensland's Far North as an expat or as a local.
We have posts on visiting the Great Barrier Reef ( Which can be done from both Port Douglas and Cairns) our local crocodiles, what to do and where to swim during stinger season, the drive through Cape Tribulation to Cooktown and more.
Cairns to Port Douglas. Drive, Transfers or Bus
The only way to get from Cairns to Port Douglas is by road ( unless you want to take a helicopter or charter a boat ). Travellers staying in Port Douglas, the picture perfect town, will arrive into Cairns by air, road or rail before making their way 65 kms north along the Captain Cook Highway. The Captain Cook Highway is a single lane winding road with two overtaking … [Read more...]
Car Hire in Port Douglas, Is it Necessary and Which Company to Use?
Hiring a car in Port Douglas can be quick and easy but during the high season the availability of cars will be limited so book ahead if you want a particular type of car. Cars available range from budget small hatch backs to convertible, 4wds and people carriers. There are far more car hire companies in Port Douglas than you would expect from such a small town. We live in … [Read more...]
Daintree Tours From Port Douglas & Exploring the Daintree Rainforest
To the north of Cairns and Port Douglas you will find the oldest rainforest in the world. Daintree Village, Daintree River, Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation are areas you will most certainly want to see during your time in Far North Queensland. A look at everything the Daintree has to offer and how to get there from Port Douglas ( or Cairns) by private car or by tour. … [Read more...]
Great Barrier Reef Tours From Port Douglas
If you're looking for Great Barrier Reef Tours from Port Douglas, congratulations, you picked a great place from which to explore the reef. Port Douglas Australia is a stunning holiday town in Far North Queensland, home to beautiful 4 Mile Beach, close to Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest as well as the cooler Atherton Tablelands, but the reef is a huge draw for … [Read more...]
The Stinging Tree, and Other Dangers of Queensland.
Yes, you read that right we have a stinging tree in Queensland. It's not just a bit "ouch" it's more searing blinding agony that can persist for months. It's not going to kill you with venom, but suicide could sound like a good option, yes, it's that bad. First up, I'll tell you not to worry, I lived in Far North Queensland for 7 years and only met one woman who had been stung. … [Read more...]
Fresh Water Swimming Spots Around Cairns and Port Douglas
If you're visiting the Cairns and Port Douglas region is summer, you absolutely must check out some of our fresh water swimming spots as well as the iconic Great Barrier Reef. These are where the locals go to cool off and some, like Mossman Gorge, receive large numbers of tourists too. Families visit these jungle swimming holes because they are safe, there are no … [Read more...]
Visiting Port Douglas? Start Here.
Are you thinking of visiting Port Douglas? Good choice! Port Douglas is a beautiful part of the world and a top holiday destination. The town and region are rich in natural beauty, amazing wildlife and good hotels. There are dozens of diverse things to do in Port Douglas and surrounding area and we'll try to point you in the right direction from our Port Douglas travel blog … [Read more...]
Port Douglas Accommodation. Best Hotels, Resorts, Rentals and Hostels
As a former long-term Port Douglas resident turned professional traveller, I know the local accommodation from hotels to hostels very well indeed. Readers often ask where to stay, which is the best hotel in Port Douglas, what hostel is most affordable and what accommodation is best for families? They need recommendations for backpackers, family holidays, for budget … [Read more...]
Things To Do in Port Douglas and Surrounding Area. Not The Usual Things.
I get a lot of emails from people asking me for ideas on things to do in Port Douglas and trips to take from there. I lived there for 7 years, I know the area well and I own a travel blog. It's what travel bloggers do, help people with travel plans. So, rather than answer each email individually as I normally do, here are a few ideas on things to do in and around Port Douglas … [Read more...]